First, I wanted to thank so many people for expressing interest in the preeclampsia study at the University of Vermont. We are nearing the end of our recruitment efforts, but are still looking for another 40 or so women to participate. If anyone is planning to conceive after having a diagnosis of preeclampsia in their most recent pregnancy, or if they are planning their first pregnancies, we would love to include you in the study.

This study will be recruiting participants through early 2014, so please consider participating if you will be planning to conceive before that point in time. Also, please tell your family members (especially sisters) and friends who may be planning a pregnancy.

Study Participants Needed: Pregnancy Phenotype and Predisposition to Preeclampsia
This research study seeks to understand the relationship between a womanâ€™s health and physiology prior to pregnancy and the risk of developing preeclampsia during pregnancy, as well as to gain insights into improved ways to both prevent and treat it. We are recruiting women who are planning to become pregnant within the next year and who might be at risk for the development of preeclampsia during pregnancy. If you are thinking about becoming pregnant soon and fit into one of the following categories, please contact the study coordinator:

1) If you are between 18 and 42 years old and planning to conceive your first child,
2) If you have diabetes, OR have a personal OR family history of hypertension, OR
3) If you have had preeclampsia in a prior pregnancy.

If you choose to participate, you will undergo testing on 3 occasions, one prior to pregnancy and 2 during your pregnancy. For each visit, you will be provided meals for 3 days prior to your appointment. For those who do not live locally in Vermont, 3 days of a food diary can be done instead of meals being provided. During the initial visit, researchers will ensure you are not pregnant before allowing you to continue in the study. Using ultrasound and MRI, the way blood flows in your body will be measured. You will spend one night in the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) at Fletcher Allen during each visit. Ovulation detection kits will be provided to aid your timing in achieving conception. Financial compensation of up to $375 is provided.

We are focusing on the northeast region of the United States because of concerns about travel, but if anyone is willing to come from further away, we certainly would not deny you! The main concern is that while we can offer some funds for reimbursement and travel expenses, the further you travel, the more it costs. Unfortunately we do have a limited budget.

Alsoif you are not interested/eligible for inclusion, please inform any friends or family members who may be able to travel to Vermont. We are also recruiting women who are trying for their first child.

Carole McBride
Clinical Research Coordinator
Obstetrics and Gynecology
University of Vermont College of Medicine
Burlington, VT 05405
(802) 656-0309Carole.McBride@uvm.edu